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City of Austin has taken over Water
and Wastewater Service within Anderson Mill M.U.D.
Effective Saturday
June 28, 2008 at 12:01 AM
For
Water or Sewer Emergencies call: 512-972-1000
Starting in July -
Water and Wastewater Services bills will be from the
City of Austin, if you have any billing questions call:
512-494-9400
City of Austin Water Utility Web Site
The City Staff's
Responses to Questions about the Anderson Mill MUD
Annexation Service Plan as Presented at Public Hearing
on January 29, 2008
February 2008
This
document contains responses to questions raised at the
public meeting on January 29, 2008 as well as questions
received from stakeholders by email or in person.
Anderson Mill M.U.D. has added some comments in RED
below the City Staff's responses.
Topics
How
will the City and County Sheriff work together to solve
problems?
Cooperation between the departments will continue. The
City also offers the District Representative Program to
help with the resolution of short- and long-term
problems, such as a barking dog. Detectives also help to
solve problems.
Will
the City build a substation in Anderson Mill MUD?
The
substation for the Northwest Area Command is located at
12425 Lamplight Village near the corner of Lamplight
Village and Parmer Lane. Officers do not spend a lot of
time at the substation; they are mobile and work out of
their cars.
Who
will patrol schools in the annexation area?
Currently, Williamson County Sheriff's Deputies provide
school resource officers (SROs) to Grisham Middle School
and Westwood High School. After annexation, Round Rock
Independent School District may choose to continue this
arrangement at its discretion. Routinely, SROs are
responsible for the school grounds proper, while the
district patrol officers would be responsible for areas
contiguous to the school property. The Austin Police
Department patrols the areas around all schools within
Austin city limits, regardless of the county.
Who
hires crossing guards for schools?
The
city hires crossing guards as part of the Public Works
Department's School Safety Program.
How
will residents find out about city ordinances?
The
city ordinances that are most relevant to residents of
annexation areas are described in the document
Regulations from Selected City Ordinances (PDF 182 KB)
on the City's Web site.
How
many officers will we see in the neighborhood at any
particular time?
APD has
already hired eleven additional officers who will be
added to the staff of the Northwest Area Command as a
direct result of the Anderson Mill MUD annexation. They
will begin familiarizing themselves with the
neighborhood in the Spring of 2008. APD operates in
three overlapping shifts. Calls are prioritized, and an
officer may be called out of the district to respond to
a high-priority call nearby.
Williamson County Sheriff's Department currently has 3-5
deputies assigned to Anderson Mill each shift and never
has less than one assigned to be within the District. In
addition, the M.U.D. hires off-duty deputies to patrol
the parks and MUD facilities in the evenings and at
night.
Which
jail will be used for offenders?
The
offender will be brought to a jail in either Williamson
or Travis County, depending on where the offense took
place, except for municipal code violations. Individuals
arrested for outstanding warrants issued for municipal
code violations will be taken to the Travis County jail.
How
will police become familiar with the community?
Typically district representatives are free from
responding to calls for service in order to have more
time to get to know residents in the district and
understand important public safety issues in the area.
Patrol officers are also encouraged to get to know those
in the community. Officers will begin getting acquainted
with the Anderson Mill area this spring so they are
familiar with the area by the time of annexation.
What
can residents do to get to know the police and help
them?
Residents can make their concerns known to the City
Council but more importantly have an open line of
communication with the Northwest Area Command. Please
remember to contact the Northwest District
Representatives at (512) 974-5743 and utilize them as a
liaison for areas of concern. Residents can also
participate in an active Neighborhood Watch program or
the Citizens on Patrol (C.O.P.s) program.
How is
the Austin Police Department funded?
Police
service is funded by the City's general fund, with
revenue from property taxes, sales taxes, fees,
transfers from the utility departments, and other
sources. Federal funds and seized property are also used
to provide police training and equipment.
What
will response times be?
The
city-wide goal is to respond to Priority One calls in an
average of seven minutes. In December 2007, the average
response time in the Northwest Area Command was eight
minutes and fifty seconds for Priority One calls. Travel
times are longer in this part of the city, so the area
command received additional officer positions in order
to help improve response times. Longer response times
occur during the busy afternoon rush hour and when
officers are called out of their districts for an
incident. However, Anderson Mill is well-situated within
the area command because it is not on the periphery.
The Williamson County Sheriff deputies assigned within
Anderson Mill can respond to Priority calls within
seconds. Austin Police Dept. average response
times in the Northwest Area Command were nine minutes in
December 2007.
Will
the Limited District be allowed to hire off-duty police
officers to provide security for MUD facilities?
Yes.
The Limited District will be responsible for providing
adequate security for facilities.
How
will the City utilize the old MUD building that
currently functions as a Williamson County Sheriff's
Department substation?
If this
building is currently owned by the MUD, it would not
become City property until after the Limited District is
dissolved. Prior to that time, if the MUD or Limited
District is interested in leasing the building to the
City, APD would consider using it as a location for
officers to write reports. However, the City's Real
Estate Department would need an opportunity to review
the terms of the proposed lease before committing to
this use of the building.
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Why
will staffing be reduced at the Anderson Mill Road fire
station (#38)?
The
unit stationed here is called a quint. Because of its
dual capabilities as both a fire engine and a ladder
truck, in the past it has been staffed as two units with
three firefighters each, with a total of six
firefighters. It will be a more efficient use of
resources to operate the quint as a single unit with
four firefighters.
What
will the response times be?
Response times to the Anderson Mill MUD area should meet
our Standard of Response Coverage goal of a first-in
unit on-scene within eight minutes of call receipt 85%
of the time. The addition of a new station at Spectrum
Drive and Parmer Lane and the Automatic Aid Agreement
with the Jollyville Fire Department will provide
additional units that can respond to the area if the
first-in units are unavailable or when a multiple unit
response is required.
How
will the change in the fire service provider impact
homeowner's insurance premiums?
The
Austin Fire Department (AFD) has the same ISO rating (2)
as Jollyville Fire Department, so there should be no
impact on homeowner's insurance.
What
happens if a firefighting unit is out of service?
AFD
will move units around as needed. AFD has agreements
with several other fire departments in the area so that
they can be called for help if needed.
What
will happen to the Jollyville Fire Department?
At the
public meeting in January, Chief Kiracofe explained that
the ESD will remain in existence to serve the remaining
2/3 of its district. Staff and equipment at the station
within the MUD will be moved to the station on Anderson
Mill Road, for which an expansion is planned. Jollyville
Fire Department may still be called upon to respond to
incidents in the MUD because of its Automatic Aid
Agreement with the City of Austin.
You
mentioned AFD's fire prevention education efforts for
school children. What programs are available for adults
who would like to improve the safety of their homes?
AFD
will be glad to make an educational presentation to your
community group. Individuals who live in a single-family
home (renters and owners) and have an income of less
than $42,000.00 a year are eligible for free
installation of a smoke alarm. Senior citizens are
especially encouraged to participate in this program as
most fatalities in fires are senior citizens.
When
will the new AFD station at Spectrum Drive and Parmer
Lane open?
This
station is expected to open in February or March 2009.
What
medical calls will AFD respond to?
AFD
responds to Priority One, Two, Three, and Four medical
calls. For these calls, AFD will often be the first
responder on the scene. EMS will also be dispatched and
will take over response from AFD upon arrival and will
transport the patients to the hospital if needed.
Who in
APD can the neighborhood association or residents
contact with questions? Will the Austin Fire Department
support neighborhood events with fire equipment
displays?
The AFD
Public Education Office serves this function. Call the
office at (512) 974-0290 for general questions or to
request a fire truck appearance, AFD guest speaker, or
exhibition booth.
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Can
you provide examples of priority medical calls?
Cardiac
arrest, respiratory arrest, life threatening rescues,
and unconsciousness would be considered Priority One
medical calls. Examples of Priority Two calls include
chest pain, altered mental state, and severe bleeding.
Priority Three includes non-life threatening auto
collision injuries and generalized sickness with
potential for complications (such as cardiac history).
Priority Four calls are non-life threatening complaints
with no significant signs, symptoms or history (such as
generalized sickness, abdominal pain).
What
are the response time for EMS?
In
Fiscal Year 2007 (October 2006-September 2007),
Austin/Travis County EMS responded to 126 calls in
Anderson Mill MUD. The average response time was six
minutes and one second.
What
will happen to Williamson County EMS, currently located
in a trailer on MUD property?
Williamson County EMS will move out of this site.
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Please note: The correct phone number for reporting
water or wastewater problems is (512) 972-1000. This
number was listed incorrectly in the Resource Manual
provided at the meeting. If you did not attend the
meeting but would like to receive a copy of the Resource
Manual, please
contact staff.
Will a
deposit be required when transferring to the Austin
Water Utility? Will there be any inspections or fees?
There
will be no deposit, inspections, or fees required of
existing MUD customers when the Austin Water Utility
assumes operations of the utility. A deposit,
inspections, and fees may apply to new utility
connections, however. The Austin Water Utility
occasionally conducts inspections of lines for
preventive maintenance or to identify problems in the
system. If the Austin Water Utility will be conducting a
test such as smoke testing, residents in the area will
be notified in advance.
Will
the water rates be higher in the summer?
Seasonal water rates apply to multifamily and commercial
customers but not single-family customers.
How do
Austin's water rates compare to the MUD's water rates?
For
customers consuming water at the average city rate of
8,500 gallons per month, the water bill will be lower in
the city. The City's water rates increase as consumption
increases.
How
will the Austin Water Utility compute wastewater bills
during 2008, given that wastewater averaging takes place
in the winter?
Austin
will use the winter average provided by the MUD.
Will
you please explain wastewater averaging?
The
Austin Water Utility looks at water consumption during
three consecutive billing periods from mid-November
through mid-March, when there is little need for
watering outdoor plants or lawns. The wastewater average
is typically calculated from the average of the two
months with the lowest daily water usage.
What
about tap fees?
Tap
fees are assessed for new homes and for the installation
of larger replacement meters, not on existing homes or
existing meters.
Will
water and wastewater charges be on the City electric
bill?
If you
are currently an Austin Energy customer, your water and
wastewater charges will be added to your Austin Energy
bill. If you are a Pedernales Electric Cooperative (PEC)
customer, you will receive a separate bill from the City
for water and wastewater.
Will I
need to do anything different if I have an irrigation
system?
No. A
new meter for your irrigation system is not required.
How
will the City account for water leaks in wastewater
averaging?
First,
call the Austin Water Utility's Consumer Services office
at 972-0000 for assistance if you experienced a leak
during the winter month wastewater averaging period. If
the leak did not affect the charges for the two months
with the lowest water usage, the standard wastewater
average may be used. If the leak did affect the winter
month wastewater average, the Austin Water Utility will
work with customers to resolve the issue.
How
does the Austin Water Utility respond to service calls?
A
priority system is used to send staff to the most urgent
calls as quickly as possible. Approximately 67% of
priority calls are responded to within 1 hour. A first
responder will assess the situation, determine the
personnel and equipment needed, and report back to the
Austin Water Utility so that the right person can then
be sent to the scene.
The Anderson Mill M.U.D. presently staffs the Water and
Wastewater department 18 hours a day and responds to
emergency service calls during those 18 hours within
minutes.
How
will water quality compare to our current water when we
are served by the City of Austin?.
The
water currently distributed by the MUD to its customers
is purchased wholesale from the City of Austin after
treatment. The City of Austin will continue the same
treatment procedures after annexation, so the quality of
the water will not change.
What
will happen to the MUD's wastewater treatment plant?
The
initial plans are to keep the plant in operation to
continue serving MUD customers.
When
will the City assume operations of the wastewater
facilities?
The
transition will happen this summer within a thirty day
period following the transfer of facilities to City
ownership. From this time forward, the City will conduct
all billing and retain all utility revenue.
Will
the City offer employment opportunities to MUD
employees?
MUD
employees are welcome to apply for any City job
vacancies. Their qualifications will be considered along
with those of all other applicants.
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Will
PEC continue to serve its customers in Anderson Mill
MUD?
Yes.
The boundaries of electric service providers are not
affected by annexation.
Can we
see examples of new bills? Please include fees, and show
how different volumes of usage will be billed. Also,
please show what a PEC customer's bill will look like.
Please
see the
sample bill provided here. This bill is for a
customer with average water and wastewater consumption,
a 60-gallon garbage cart, and electric service from a
utility provider other than Austin Energy, such as PEC.
Austin Energy customers will receive a similar bill with
electric service added.
Are
there discounted electric rates for non-profit
organizations?
There
is no program for discounted rates for non-profit
organizations.
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How
will parks be maintained by the City if limited district
is not ratified?
The
City will continue to operate and maintain the parks and
recreational facilities at the same level as the MUD's
current procedures for the life of the service plan (10
years after annexation).
What
will a pool pass cost on an annual basis?
The
cost has not yet been determined. The City's current
Pool Fee Schedule may be viewed on the City's web
site. These fees are subject to change annually.
How
long will the limited district last?
If
approved by voters, the original term will be ten years.
The district may be renewed once for ten additional
years with the City's consent. The district will be
authorized to maintain parks and recreational
facilities, provide for solid waste collection and
disposal, and enforce deed restrictions.
Will
it be possible for the City to keep the pools heated
year-round beyond ten years?
This
has not been determined. Some City pools are heated
during the winter, and an entry fee is collected to
cover the cost of heating.
How
will the limited district be funded?
It will
be funded by property tax, fees, and any leftover funds
from the MUD.
If the
pools are open to the public, and they become more
crowded, how is that the same level of service?
The
term "level of service" does not relate to access.
[After the meeting, MUD board members confirmed that the
MUD pools are currently open to the public as required
by law, though fees vary for in-district and
out-of-district customers.]
Will
the tennis courts be unlocked if they are managed by the
City?
Yes.
What
is the Tanglewood Forest Limited District's tax rate?
Currently, the tax rate is $0.22 per $100 of assessed
value with a $50,000 exemption for taxpayers over 65
years of age.
Will
pool employees be hired by the City?
Pool
employees will not automatically be hired by the City,
but they are welcome to apply for any City job
vacancies. The limited district may hire staff to
maintain and operate parks and recreational facilities.
Can we
use the City Parks and Recreation Department resources
to recommend best practices for improvements to our
parks?
Yes.
Does
the City have a trail plan?
No;
however, the City currently has over 50 miles of trails
and is developing a new six-mile bikeway named for Lance
Armstrong that includes some off-street concrete paths.
The City's
Bicycle Plan and
Pedestrian Plan include only on-street facilities,
such as bike lanes and sidewalks.
Will
the Limited District be able to set the hours and days
of operation of the pools?
Yes.
Will
the Limited District be able to charge a higher rate for
non-district residents for use of the pools?
According to the Strategic Partnership Agreement, the
Limited District may charge non-district residents no
more than the City summer pass rate. If the District
sets a daily rate fee, it must be uniform for all City
residents, including residents of the Limited District.
Presently Anderson Mill M.U.D. charges non-residents
$270 (per individual or family) plus the cost of swim
tags. SO a family of four would pay $330 per year. A
City of Austin summer pass for a family of four is $350.
The city charges an individual $180 for a summer pass.
Anderson Mill M.U.D. charges a daily rate currently of
$3.00 for children and $5.00 for adult. Meeting the
terms of the Strategic Partnership Agreement would not
significantly change our current fees. The Anderson Mill
M.U.D. used a Texas Parks and Wildlife Grant to
construct many of our facilities and because of that we
cannot exclude anyone from using our facilities -
however, we can charge fees similar to what our
taxpayers pay, including that amount our taxpayers pay
in property tax to maintain and operate the parks and
pools. This is how the $270 Non-resident fee was
determined and established.
Will
the City allow the Westwood High School swim team and
the local neighborhood swim team to use the pools?
Some
existing City pools accommodate high school and
neighborhood swim teams in a similar fashion.
Will
APD provide security at pools during peak hours of
operation?
APD
will respond to incidents as needed. The Limited
District will be authorized to provide security at the
pools as well.
How
will the City run and rent out the Anderson Mill
Community Center?
Before
making this determination, Parks and Recreation
Department staff will visit the facility with MUD staff
to learn about how the facility is used.
For
reference, many City recreation centers are used for
neighborhood meetings, depending on room availability. A
fee may be charged for an after-hours meeting, but this
determination is made by each recreation center.
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Who
will maintain roads after annexation?
The
City will maintain all roads that are currently
maintained by the County. Private roads, such as those
currently maintained by condominium homeowners'
associations, will not be maintained by the City.
Who
will repair streetlights after annexation?
Austin
Energy and/or PEC will repair the street lights
depending on the type of street light.
How
quickly will lights be repaired?
Austin
Energy will respond to requests for repair of street
lights maintained by Austin Energy within 3-5 business
days. The actual repair time frame cannot be guaranteed
because Austin Energy does not maintain all the street
lights. PEC is responsible for some of these repairs,
particularly where there is a problem with the
electricity itself rather than simply the light fixture
or bulb.
We
desire more lighting on our public streets and in our
parks. Will Austin Energy do an illumination study to
evaluate our need for additional lighting?
If
individual property owners or the homeowners'
association desire the installation of additional
streetlights on public streets, Austin Energy will
survey the area to see if it requires more lighting.
They also will determine the best location for the
lighting. If the homeowners' association prefers to have
streetlights with underground wiring, the homeowners'
association must pay the cost difference between
overhead and underground wiring.
Due to
the size of the annexation area, more specific
information is needed about the locations where
additional lighting is desired, such as specific
streets, blocks, intersections, or parks. Outside of
Austin Energy's service area, Austin Energy must
coordinate with PEC to ensure that electrical conduit is
available. If the existing electric lines are located
behind the houses, it may be necessary for Austin Energy
to obtain easements from individual property owners
between houses in order to place lights along the
streets. Please be aware that if overhead streetlights
are installed, tree trimming may be required.
Does
the City repair sidewalks?
Yes.
Request a sidewalk repair by calling 311 or submitting
an
online service request. (Many other types of
requests may be submitted through this online system as
well.) Sidewalk repairs are planned by the Street and
Bridge Division of Public works and currently funded by
the bond program. Isolated incidents that present a
safety hazard can be repaired in a short time frame with
an asphalt patch. More wide-ranging problems, such as an
entire block, street, or neighborhood with widespread
sidewalk damage, will require a more detailed
assessment.
Will a
traffic signal be installed at Pecan Creek Parkway and
Anderson Mill Road? It is difficult to turn left here
due to heavy traffic on Anderson Mill Road.
Travis
County anticipates completion of the improvements to
Anderson Mill Road in late May. After completion, Travis
County will initiate a signal study for major
intersections within the reconstructed segment of the
road within three months. If a signal is warranted, it
will be installed within three to six months.
Will
the City mow the grass and prune landscaping along
Anderson Mill Road from RM 620 to US 183?
Property owners are responsible for keeping their
property and any associated sidewalk, alley or street
adjacent to the property free of trash, debris and tall
grasses. Property owners must also trim trees that
overhang the street so there is at least fourteen feet
of clearance at the curb line. Most of Anderson Mill
Road, except for a short segment of the road along the
southwestern edge of the MUD in Travis County, is
planned for annexation concurrent with the MUD. If
vegetation is blocking a sidewalk, call 311 for
assistance.
Will
the City provide landscaping between the new rock wall,
being built by the MUD, and the street along RM 620 and
Anderson Mill Road?
RM 620
is a state-maintained road, and the state will continue
to maintain this road after annexation. Regarding
Anderson Mill Road, the City has no plans to install
additional landscaping at this time. The City will
maintain this right-of-way at or above the current level
of maintenance for the life of the service plan.
Will
the City contract with the Anderson Mill Limited
District to maintain rights-of-way, including medians,
within our neighborhood as now done by Williamson
County?
The
Parks and Recreation Department may be interested in
contracting with the Limited District but would need an
opportunity to review the terms of the proposed
contract.
What
can be done about parking in the neighborhoods near
Westwood High School?
Installing diagonal parking may not be feasible
depending on the width of the road. However, residents
near the high school may wish to consider participating
in the
Residential Parking Permit Program. In this program,
a neighborhood association issues permits to residents
for a small fee, and signage is placed along the street
restricting on-street parking to permitted residents and
their guests during certain times of the day on certain
days of the week.
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What
are the most common code enforcement issues?
The
most common code violations include home occupations
(businesses in single-family homes), incorrect or
lacking certificates of occupancy, tall fences, tall
weeds, debris, unsecured or dangerous buildings, and
unscreened boats and recreational vehicles (RVs) in
driveways.
Code
Enforcement is complaint-driven: anyone may call 311 to
report a suspected code violation or
file a complaint online. Each violation will be
assigned an investigator. An investigator usually visits
the property within two business days. There is
considerable variation in the time it takes before
compliance is achieved depending upon the complexity of
the case. You may contact the investigator periodically
to request an update on the case.
Code
Enforcement works with APD District Representatives to
address chronic problems. Committed neighborhood
associations working cooperatively with Code
Enforcement, APD, and property owners have achieved
substantial improvements in their neighborhoods.
What
are the requirements for screening a boat or RV?
A boat
or RV must be in an enclosed building, such as a garage,
or located behind a six-foot tall wood or masonry fence.
Does
the City require the posting of house numbers?
The
city does not have specific size, color, or location
requirements for house numbers; however, it is required
that the house number must be visible from the street.
Is a
permit required to drain and refill a private swimming
pool?
No, a
permit is not required to drain and refill a swimming
pool; however, the chlorinated water should not be
allowed to enter the storm drains and open water ways.
What
is the maximum allowed height for grass?
Weeds
and grass must be less than twelve inches tall.
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What
services will the City provide?
Currently, the City collects residential trash,
recycling, and yard waste on a weekly basis. Starting in
October 2008, the City will distribute large carts for
recyclables and will then collect recycling every 2
weeks. If the Limited District is dissolved, the City
would provide these services to residential customers.
Business owners may choose to have their garbage
collected by Solid Waste Services or by a private hauler
of their choice. The City also provides street sweeping,
bulky item pick-up, and dead animal pick-up as part of
the anti-litter program.
How do
City solid waste fees compare to MUD solid waste fees?
Approximately 80% of City customers use the 60-gallon
cart, which costs $14.50 per month, including the
monthly residential base rate. A 90-gallon cart is
available for $17.25 per month, and a 30-gallon cart is
available for $11.75 per month. Extra bags will be
collected for $2 with the advance purchase of a yellow
sticker or $4 without a sticker. The MUD charges $11 per
month for one 90-gallon cart and $14.50 per month for
two 90-gallon carts. This fee allows for 3 extra bags to
be placed at the curb with the cart. Both City and MUD
rates include recycling.
What
recycling materials does the City collect?
Currently, the City collects glass bottles and jars,
paper, plastic bottles #1-2, steel cans, aluminum cans,
tin cans, and cardboard. Beginning in October 2008, the
city will also collect plastic #3-7 and boxboard as part
of the single stream recycling program.
Will
the anti-litter fee apply if there is a limited
district?
Yes.
Anderson Mill MUD customers will be enrolled in the
anti-litter program regardless of the outcome of the
limited district election. The $2.60 monthly fee will be
included on the utility bill. In addition to street
sweeping and dead animal collection, Solid Waste
Services will provide for pick-up of bulky items and
large brush after annexation.
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What
services will the City provide?
The
primary changes Anderson Mill residents and business
owners will experience are enforcement of the smoking
ordinance, restaurant inspections by the City, and
animal services provided by the City.
Will
schools be served by Austin/Travis County Health and
Human Services or Williamson County Health District?
Austin/Travis County will provide health services to
schools.
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Can
you describe what the City's relationship will be with
the Anderson Mill Neighborhood Association compared to
the Limited District?
Neighborhood associations throughout the City are
invited to join the
Community Registry to be notified of zoning change
requests, other development applications, code
amendments, and opportunities to be involved in city
government. Many neighborhood associations attend City
board, commission, and Council meetings to provide input
on issues that affect them. The City does not have
authority over neighborhood association bylaws or place
limitations on what neighborhood associations may do.
The
City's relationship with the Limited District is
governed by the Strategic Partnership Agreement.
However, the Limited District is also free to join the
Community Registry and participate in City processes. We
are not aware of any issues that have arisen between
Tanglewood Forest's Limited District and neighborhood
association.
When
will zoning take effect?
Most
commercial properties in the MUD and the residential
property along RM 620 have already been annexed for
limited purposes and therefore have zoning. Upon
annexation, the remaining portions of the MUD will be
assigned an interim residential zoning classification.
Existing uses will generally be grandfathered.
Property owners may file a request for permanent zoning
if desired. Nearby property owners and all registered
neighborhood associations encompassing the subject
property will be notified of zoning applications and
invited to address the Zoning and Platting Commission
and City Council regarding the zoning request at the
public hearings.
Annexation will not affect the Limited District's
ability to enforce deed restrictions, regardless of when
the violation took place.
What
is the City requirement for retail landscaping?
New
commercial and multifamily developments are generally
required to provide landscaping in accordance with
Chapter 25-2, Article 9 of the
Austin City Code. This requirement is enforced at
the site plan stage. Landscaping requirements may not
apply to existing developments that were approved under
County regulations or properties being redeveloped that
qualify for site plan exemptions.
When
will the neighborhood planning process begin for
Anderson Mill?
At this
time, there is no schedule for preparing a neighborhood
plan for Anderson Mill.
Will
the ordinances that apply to retail signs and lighting
apply after full purpose annexation? Yes. Sign and
lighting ordinances also apply in limited purpose areas
and the City's extraterritorial jurisdiction. Please
keep in mind that sign and lighting regulations vary by
roadway, zoning district, and the type of sign. Signs
and lights existing prior to limited or full purpose
annexation may be considered legal nonconforming or
"grandfathered."
How
can the neighborhood's concerns about the expansion of
Westwood High School be addressed? Of particular
interest are traffic flow, parking, impervious cover,
and storm water retention.
These
issues will be regulated by the City through the
development approval process. Neighborhood residents are
encouraged to work directly with the high school
throughout the development approval process to identify
and resolve conflicts that may arise from the expansion.
You may also contact the Development Assistance Center
at (512) 974-6370 for general questions about
development standards. For transportation-related
issues, ask for Chris Johnson or Chris Williams.
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Will
jury eligibility remain the same?
Yes,
with the addition of Austin's municipal court.
What
codes or rules apply to private pools, such as fencing?
An
enclosure for a private pool located outdoors must meet
the following criteria:
- must be at least four feet in height;
- may include a fence, wall, or building;
- may not include an opening large enough to
permit the passage of a four-inch diameter sphere;
and
- must be constructed in accordance with the
Building Criteria Manual.
These
regulations are found in Section 10-7-41 of the
Austin City Code.
Will the
Limited District be subject to commercial drainage fees?
Yes,
the Limited District will have a commercial account. The
drainage fee for commercial accounts is based on
impervious acreage, so for each acre of impervious cover
(this equates to approximately 43,560 square feet),
including buildings and parking lots, but not swimming
pools, the fee is $176.66 per month.
Are
there any restrictions on how the MUD or Limited
District uses accumulated funds? What happens to these
funds if the voters do not approve the Limited District?
In
utilizing these funds, the MUD must comply with all
provisions in the Consent Agreement and the Strategic
Partnership Agreement (SPA), including paying all of the
MUD's indebtedness prior to annexation. Under the SPA,
the Limited District is authorized to own, maintain, and
operate parks and recreational facilities and the
community center; provide for solid waste pick-up and
disposal; and enforce deed restrictions. Funds
transferred from the MUD to the Limited District at the
time of annexation may be used for these purposes. The
District may not return the funds to homeowners. If the
Limited District is not ratified, these funds would
transfer to the City.
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Neighborhood Planning & Zoning
Virginia Collier, Planner Principal
Greg Guernsey, Director
Austin
Police Department
Commander James O'Leary, Northwest Area Command
Sergeant Gena Curtis, Northwest District Representatives
Lieutenant John Romoser, Northwest Support Lieutenant
Sergeant Buddy Sproul, Northwest Centralized
Investigative Bureau (Detectives)
Austin
Fire Department
Assistant Chief Jim Evans
Antonio Gonzalez, Planner Principal
Austin/Travis County EMS
Ernie
Rodriguez, Acting Executive Director
Jasper Brown, Division Commander - Communications
Heather Cooke, Planner Principal
Austin
Water Utility
Bart
Jennings, Wholesale Services Manager
Robby McArthur, Consumer Services Supervisor
Dan Strub, Conservation Program Specialist Senior
Parks
and Recreation
Randy
Scott, Park Planner
Solid
Waste and Code Enforcement
Don
Birkner, Assistant Director
Paul Tomasovic, Inspector Senior
Ann Hargrove, Planner Principal
Austin/Travis County Health and Human Services
Shannon
Jones, Assistant Director for Public Health
Law
Department
David
Lloyd, Assistant City Attorney
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